The island nation has been hit hard by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left a minimum of two fatalities and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Officials reported that the massive storm triggered extensive sudden floods, storm surges, landslides, and fierce high-velocity gusts, leading to the relocation of 1.4 million people nationwide.
Widespread Destruction and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams documented floodwaters reaching rooftop levels and homes washed out by strong flows.
“Our personnel rescued 14 individuals who were trapped atop a house engulfed in flood in a flood-prone area,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. One resident frantically contacted us, saying his home’s roof was at risk of tearing away by the wind. We rescued him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, authorities announced two fatalities: a drowning victim in Catanduanes and a second individual who died when her house collapsed in eastern Samar.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The intense storm was downgraded to a typhoon early Monday while moving over the main island, where the capital is located.
Per meteorological authorities, the storm’s sustained wind speed dropped from 115 mph to 102 mph, but gusts peaked at more than 275 km/h.
The cyclone is expected to continue weakening while heading in the direction of Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The country’s emergency management agency stated it was still working to assess damage to infrastructure and homes.
Roughly thousands of shelters were activated to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck just days after another severe storm, that claimed at least 224 people with dozens unaccounted for prior to advancing to Vietnam, causing five deaths there.
Search operations for those still missing were halted recently over risks to emergency personnel.
The climate crisis is causing tropical storms more intense and common. Fung-wong is the 21st typhoon to impact the nation this year.
Scientists have found that the rate of super-typhoons striking the islands has increased doubled over the last two decades.
Global assessments suggest that intense storms cause an average of US$3.5 million in damage for the Philippines annually.
The Philippine president issued a state of emergency last week because of the extensive devastation from Kalmaegi and anticipated impacts from the new storm.
